A superbly conceived design; jars of this general type have been found in excavations dating as far back as the Spring and Autumn Period (770-475 BC). Although perhaps not obviously Chinese in design, this type of vessel is one of the most iconic forms of Han Dynasty pottery and is thought by some archaeologists to be anthropomorphic, with the shape and "swirling" design of the main body based on the female human form...
This impressive pottery horse was made during the latter part of the Northern Wei Dynasty (AD 386 - 534). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery and is quite "heavily-potted". Its surface has been cold-painted in a creamy-white pigment, good traces of which still remain. The horse stands upright and alert. On its back is a large integral saddle.
Height 37 cm (14.5 inches)...
This tall cylindrical pottery jar in the form of a granary (grain store) was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It is made from a relatively highly-fired grey pottery (having a distinct ring to it when tapped) that has been "cold painted" in various coloured pigments, exceptionally good traces of which still remain. The painted decoration comprises elaborate scrolling cloud and geometric patterns...
This extremely rare pottery model of a saddled horse was made during the Northern Dynasties period (AD 386 - 581). It is rather naively modelled from a dense grey pottery that is fairly high-fired. The body has been cold-painted in yellow-ochre, black and pale reddish-brown pigments whilst the upper surface of the base is painted white.
Height and length 27 cm...
This large and unusual pottery vessel in the form of a recumbent ram was made during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). It has a thick cylindrical neck on its back quite a wide opening. Possible this vessel was used as base for the pole of a banner or screen support. Traces of the original "cold painted" coloured pigments can be seen.
Length 41 cm (16 inches), height 18.5 cm (7.25 inches)...
This oversized vessel, in the form of a "cocoon jar" was made during the Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BC) or possibly a little earlier during the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC), but even then by the Qin state. It is made from a fairly high-fired fine-grained grey pottery...
This interesting pottery model of a groom was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It is made from a fairly high-fired grey pottery that has been "cold painted" in dark brown, white, red and pink pigments. The figure wears a long garment and a head covering. He stands with both arms outstretched as if in the act of holding the reigns of a horse (see our last image for an illustration of this).
Height 25.5 cm...
This fine and attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in a creamy-white pigment on top of which have been applied red and black pigments to pick out the details of the head, mane and tail. For its size it is particularly well-modelled...
This attractive pottery jar (or hu) was made during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). Its form is probably the most well-known of Han Dynasty pottery and every museum collection of Chinese ancient pottery will have an example. It is "heavily-potted" and made from a reddish pottery. The body and neck are decorated with bands of grooves that encircle the body. On opposing sides at the waist are moulded taotie mask ring handles. What makes this e...
This pottery model of a musician was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220) and excavated from Sichuan province. It is made from a reddish pottery and quite "heavily-potted". In places on the surface are traces of a reddish pigment. A variety of figures of this general type are well documented. They are often musicians and entertainers, and were made in a variety of sizes, the smallest being around 15cm ...
This superb and rare tall pottery vessel was made some 4,000 years ago by people of the Xiajiadian culture (c. 2300 - 1600 BC) from Inner Mongolia. This vessel is particularly characteristic of this Neolithic culture with its wide rim, partly hollow udder-shaped legs and carefully constructed body. It has a finely burnished surface, its smoothness making it a real pleasure to handle as well as to view. In places on th...
This very rare pottery figure was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a fairly highly-fired creamy-white pottery with features picked out in cold-painted red and black pigments. The figure is prostrate with knees and elbows on the ground possibly paying obeisance to a dignitary or emperor. Note especially the details of the facial features. To the base are Chinese characters in black pigment ...
This large and impressive architectural pottery model of a granary was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220). It is made from a red pottery that has been coated in green glaze that has degraded and acquired a silvery iridescence in places, a result of long burial in damp conditions. It has a ridged gabled roof, the front section showing seven rows of tile covers, each row with a circular end tile, and supported by ...
This fine tall pottery figure was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220). A whole variety of pottery figures of varying sizes of this general type comprising farmers, musicians, domestic servants etc. are known and have been excavated from Sichuan province. This is a large example and is made from a pale yellowish-grey pottery, with the head made separately that fits into the hollow ...
This very rare pottery model of an armoured horse & rider was made during the short-lived Northern Zhou Dynasty (AD 557 - 581). It would originally have formed part of procession of similar horses. It is quite "heavily-potted" and made from a pale grey pottery that has been "cold painted" in a base coat of white pigment with reddish-brown and pink pigments applied on top. The rider is made from solid pottery and in his...
This large and impressive pottery figure represents an official or a dignitary and was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a high-fired buff-coloured pottery that has been cold-painted in a base coat of a creamy-white pigment with details picked out in red, pink and black pigments. The figure stands upright on an integral pedestal wearing a long flowing robe under which his hands are held together across his chest. No...
This rare and interesting pottery model of a foreign groom was made in the early part of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from dense solid pottery (as opposed to being hollow as are the majority of Tang figures). The figure stands upright with his head turned to his right. His left hand is placed against his chest whilst his right arm and hand are outstretched. Note the fine detail of his clothing, headgear and es...
This attractive model of a horse and rider was made during the Northern Wei Dynasty (AD 386 - 534). It is made from a grey pottery that has been cold painted in a creamy-white pigment on top of which have been applied other coloured pigments. Note the detail of the female rider's facial features and hairstyle.
Height 29.5 cm (11.5 inches). It is reasonable to assume that this model has been subject to professional restoration...
This fine-quality pottery model of a horse was made during the early part of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a relatively highly-fired pale-coloured pottery, varying from a pale grey to a pinkish-brown in colour (this colour variation is often seen with earthenware that is more highly-fired than other pieces). It has been "cold-painted" in various coloured pigments. The two pigments that have survived the most are t...
This fine pottery head was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It has been "cold painted" in a base coat of white pigment on top of which have been painted pink, red and black pigments to pick out the facial details.
Height 10.5 cm. It is in very good condition with expected surface wear but no repair or restoration.
Note: the black plastic base on which it stands in the first photo is a photographic p...